Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia (IATA: CGK) recently inaugurated its Terminal 3, which locals christened as the “ultimate” terminal because of its scale and gorgeously sleek architecture. Its biggest tenant is the nation’s flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, which operates both its domestic and international flights, but recently, low-cost carriers like Jetstar Asia and Cebu Pacific had moved their international flights there as well.
Flying back to Kuala Lumpur, I had the chance to fly out of Terminal 3, but because I was flying low-cost, I had no lounge privileges whatsoever. Fortunately, Plaza Premium Lounge—awarded as the World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge at the 2017 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards—opened its new Sapphire Lounge at the terminal that welcomes passengers irrespective of airline. I had the chance to check it out.
Past the immigration counter, I walked past a row of well-lit duty free shops, at the same time admiring the scale and architecture of the new terminal. Through signs, I located the Sapphire Plaza Premium Lounge near the bend that connected the two concourses of the terminal—one that was newly built and the other that had been existing a few years.
The lounge came with the new concourse, so everything was still new. Actually, during the time I was there, they weren’t taking in paying customers yet—only airlines’ premium class passengers and pass holders—as they hadn’t figured out the pricing yet. But now, it’s open to all who are willing to pay for access, irrespective of class and airline.
From the get-go, I thought it carried the same style and feel of other Plaza Premium lounges elsewhere. It seemed elegant, and it surely looked high-end that it could attract the most discerning jetsetters.
It wasn’t especially a huge lounge; however, it had enough space to accommodate plenty of comfortable seating, a dining area, and long, communal tables for co-working.
Some seats that looked like business class seats in a plane were partially enclosed for privacy, while some seats, my favorite ones, faced the floor-to-ceiling windows. The view was that of the airfield, and although seeing aircraft in action was fascinating, the view became more dramatic with the sunset.
The food selection was modest and mostly local—consisting of noodles, rice, vegetables, and meat dishes—and everything was rather tasty. There was a hot and cold drink selection in the bar, including beer and some liquors.
There were power points in all seating areas, and the lounge had its own wi-fi connection. The restrooms, which as I inspected were spotless, came equipped with showers.
SAPPHIRE PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE
International Departures, Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 21 8082 2208
Email: indonesia@plaza-network.com
Website: www.plazapremiumlounge.com
